Egg freezing age limit: Why does age change everything?

Age is crucial in oocyte freezing

Female fertility is directly linked to ovarian reserve, i.e. the stock of oocytes (reproductive cells) that a woman has at birth. This stock never increases. On the contrary, it naturally decreases over time.

• At birth a girl has between 1 and 2 million oocytes;
• At puberty, adolescent girls have about 400,000 oocytes;
• At the age of 30, between 10 and 15% of the oocyte reserve remains;
• At the age of 40, A woman has less than 5% of her initial oocyte reserve.

This phenomenon is called follicular atresia. And it's not just about the quantity, but also about the quality of oocytes, which deteriorates with age. This decline makes it more difficult to conceive in your thirties, and especially after age 35.

‍

The impact of the environment on oocyte quality

Beyond age, several factors directly influence the quality of your oocytes. It is possible to act naturally to optimize this quality in the context of oocyte freezing. Indeed, you will notice that you can take care of the quality of your oocytes even before you actually conceive.

To take care of your oocyte quality, the ideal is to have personalized support, through a dietitian specialized in fertility for example. She will obviously give you recommendations adapted to your diet. To find out the advice that can be applied in general for your lifestyle (exposure to endocrine disruptors, food, dietary supplements for fertility), you can consult the Reflet program to increase oocyte quality.

In general and to begin with, improving your oocytes starts with:

• A balanced diet: rich in antioxidants (berries, green vegetables, nuts);
• regular physical activity;
• Know how to reduce stress levels globally with accessible tools : meditation, sophrology, breathing techniques;
• Sleep well : 7 to 8 hours per night with a regular rhythm;
• Drink enough water : at least 1.5L of water per day.

Obviously, other things should be avoided and we talk about some of them in the program:

• Tobacco and alcohol;
• Excessive exposure to endocrine disruptors;
• Significant overweight or underweight;
• Sedentary lifestyle.

What do studies say about egg age and egg freezing?

Two major studies shed concrete light on the chances of success depending on the age at which oocytes are frozen:

European study (ESHRE — 2020) on fertility preservation:

The ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) has published key recommendations:

• Before age 35 : up to 90% chance of having a child with frozen oocytes (provided that at least 24 eggs are frozen). It is ideal to freeze your oocytes before the age of 35;
• 35 to 38 years : many more oocytes are needed to obtain an equivalent result, and the number of oocytes retrieved is lower;
• After 38 years : the chances of success drop considerably.

Their message : the majority of women ask themselves the question too late. The ideal would be to inform from the beginning of your thirties to have optimal results.

American study (CCRM — 2016) on fertility preservation:

Conducted by the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, this study also shows the impact of age:

• At 25 : approximately 90% chance of success;
• At 35 : about 60% chance of success;
• After 42 years : less than a 30% chance of success.

In short : the younger you are, the more chances you have. We specify that this is not an opinion, it is a scientific observation that, we admit, can be difficult to hear and that is why we recommend that you ask yourself the question.

To understand how oocyte freezing works, you can follow our program to freeze your oocytes in France (before 37 years, which is the legal deadline) or in Spain up to 45 years.

Egg freezing = insurance, not a magic wand

Egg freezing is sometimes seen as a “plan B”, an insurance policy. And that's exactly it: fertility insurance, but not a guarantee. It is a great idea if you want to keep the choice of being able to become a mother one day, but it is not a guarantee and it is important to remember it since it depends on many factors:

• The number of frozen oocytes;
• The quality of the oocytes (therefore the age at the time of freezing as well as personal biological aspects);
• General and reproductive health status;
• The sperm used at the time of insemination;
• Lifestyle (tobacco, food, stress, etc.);
• The age at the time of fertilization of the oocytes (even if the oocyte is young, the body is also aging).

It is important to understand that even with natural conception, there is never a 100% chance of getting pregnant in any given cycle.

How does the process work globally?

Phase 1: consultation and preparatory exams

It can be performed either directly in an oocyte freezing center, or at your gynecologist (except for the psychological consultation):

• Complete hormonal balance (AMH, FSH, LH, estradiol);
• Pelvic ultrasound to assess ovarian reserve;
• Serologies (HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis);
• Consultation with a psychologist (mandatory in France).

Phase 2: carrying out ovarian stimulation

• Daily hormone injections for 10 to 14 days;
• Monitoring by ultrasound and blood tests every 2-3 days;
• Adaptation of doses according to ovarian response.

Phase 3: carrying out the oocyte puncture

• Intervention under mild general anesthesia (15-20 minutes);
• Recovery of mature oocytes;
• Immediate freezing by vitrification.

Phase 4: post-operative follow-up

• Rest for 24 hours after the puncture;
• Resumption of normal activity within 48 hours;
• Control at 1 week then at 1 month.

What is the cost of egg freezing according to my age?

Age has no impact on the management of oocyte freezing. What can have an impact is if you are sick, since in this case the punctures are generally very well reimbursed. In the context of so-called comfort oocyte freezing, 100% reimbursements are not present but some of them are taken care of.

Oocyte freezing by country

At what age should you freeze your oocytes?

There is no universal “best age”, but the younger you are, the better. The general recommendations of the studies mentioned above (and whose details can be found on the page dedicated to oocyte freezing) are to do it before the age of 35 to increase your chances of success.

In France, freezing for parental purposes is authorized up to the age of 37. Abroad (Spain, Belgium, Canada...), some clinics accept up to 42 years of age.

Multidisciplinary support: a valuable asset

Egg freezing is not limited to a medical procedure. Global support can significantly improve your experience and your chances of success.

Professionals who can help you:

• Fertility nutritionists : to optimize your diet and nutrients based on the results of a complete blood test;
• Osteopaths or accupuncturists : to improve pelvic circulation and overall well-being before your puncture;
• Psychologists : to manage the emotional aspect of the course and your decision-making;
• Midwife: to explain the steps of the journey step by step.

To help you overall, you can listen to the episodes of Rubis, the podcast dedicated to egg freezing (only in French).

Why is this subject still taboo?

Because fertility is still a sensitive subject. Many women discover the existence of this option too late. Others are hesitant, for fear of over-medicating their lives or of having to admit that they didn't find the right time or the right person.

But in reality, it is not an emergency, but an opportunity: that of giving yourself the choice.

Personal signs in favor of egg freezing

Some situations should encourage you to ask yourself the question as soon as possible, such as the absence of a regular cycle, a history of early menopause, diagnosed endometriosis or PCOS, poor medical treatments for the ovaries, or cancer.

Also, if you have always wanted children and you are single, or if you are in a relationship but want to postpone the project, it is also a very good time to ask yourself the question.

Also, you can ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I have the financial resources for this project?
• Am I ready to take on the constraints of treatment?
• Have I identified a trust center?
• Have I talked to women who have had this experience?
• What is it that really motivates me in this process?
• How will I deal with the uncertainty of the outcome?
• Do I have the support of my loved ones?
• Am I at peace with this decision regardless of the end result?

This period of questioning oocyte freezing can be emotionally intense. It is essential to give yourself the kindness you deserve during this phase of reflection.

Things to remember, especially as you age

✅ Age is the key factor Who determines the success of oocyte freezing

✅ The sooner you ask yourself the question, the more options you have

✅ It is not a guarantee, but a valuable tool for the future

✅ Information is the first step towards an informed and free decision

✅ Multidisciplinary support can dramatically improve your experience

✅ Taking care of your overall health optimizes the chances of success

✅ There is no “good” or “bad” choice, only the one that suits you

✅ You deserve to be accompanied with kindness in this reflection

Egg freezing represents a revolution in women's reproductive autonomy. It offers the possibility of dissociating the parenting project from the biological clock, allowing everyone to build their life according to their priorities and circumstances.

The key is to make this decision with full knowledge of the facts, with the right information and the right support. Whether you choose to take the plunge or not, the important thing is that it is YOUR choice, taken with confidence and confidence.

Our final advice: Take care of yourself, trust yourself, and remember that you have the right to take the time you need to make the choice that's right for you. You are not alone in this thinking.

‍